What is conservatism? A historical perspective
This is a hybrid event.
Lord Sumption, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (2012-2018), in conversation with Dr Tom Simpson, Associate Professor in Philosophy and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, as part of the series International Perspectives on Conservatism.

Conservatism has been a continual theme of political discourse since the foundation of modern democracies in the nineteenth century. Conservatives have been in power in Britain, France and the United States for most of their modern history. Yet conservatism is a chameleon, a shifting compromise with more radical political traditions. This has led to its being condemned, not least by conservatives themselves, as an incoherent and unprincipled quest for power. Yet there are consistent ideas behind conservative thought which explain why it has been such a powerful force in the political life of the leading western democracies.
Date: 3 December 2024, 17:30 (Tuesday, 8th week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter OX2 6GG
Venue Details: In person and online
Speakers: Tom Simpson (Blavatnik School of Government), Lord Sumption
Organising department: Blavatnik School of Government
Organiser contact email address: events@bsg.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/events/what-conservatism
Cost: This event is free - please register at the above link
Audience: Public
Editor: Anna Ulshofer